Mission Statement and Goals

 

It is the mission of St. Stephen School community to educate children in a nurturing faith-filled environment that addresses the whole child, spiritually and intellectually.  Parents are recognized as the primary educators of their children and we collaborate with them in our role as their children’s teachers.  It is our mission to provide students with an opportunity to grow in their relationship with God as they pursue academic excellence.  Students in this community are encouraged to be mindful of the dignity of all people and to actively work for peace and justice in the world.  Instructional programs designed to reflect the Gospel teaching of Jesus Christ prepare students to become empathetic, responsible members of society, who are committed to working within their diverse community and the global society.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GOALS 

To promote student growth in acquiring attitudes and habits of heart and mind required for effective Christian living by:

  • helping them to understand God’s plan as found in prayer and scripture, in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, and in the basic doctrines of the Catholic Church. 
  • guiding them in developing a personal relationship with God through prayer, participation in liturgy, and sacraments.
  • fostering an awareness of and response to justice issues of local and global concern that promote peace and respect for all people.
  • developing respect and sensitivity to the various religious beliefs exemplified in all students who choose to attend St. Stephen School. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL GOALS 

To foster an atmosphere of love and trust where students can appreciate their own dignity and that of others by:

  • developing self-esteem in them by helping them to feel good about themselves, their gifts, and accomplishments.
  • challenging them to affirm and appreciate the talents and successes of others. 
  • learning to deal with success, as well as frustration or failure; accepting these as part of the process of life-long learning.
  • helping them to develop skills of problem solving, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making. 

ACADEMIC GOALS

To develop student potential by instilling in them enthusiasm for life long learning by:

  • teaching the basic skills for reading, listening, communicating, computing, and critical thinking.
  • challenging them to accept responsibility for their own intellectual growth.
  • providing a learning atmosphere which encourages the development of good study habits and creative thinking.
  • recognizing individual differences and different learning styles by providing them with a variety of instructional activities.
  • motivating them to challenge themselves to pursue improvement in their own levels of academic achievement.
  • cultivating within them an appreciation of the fine arts which nurtures creative potential.  
  • teaching them environmental responsibility that cares for the earth and its resources.


PHYSICAL EDUCATION GOALS

To encourage physical fitness, good sportsmanship, a healthy competitive spirit, and good personal health habits in students by:

  • recognizing the importance of instilling life long physical fitness habits, personal hygiene, and good nutrition.
  • developing an understanding of the need for rules and regulations, the values of fair play, good sportsmanship, and team work.
  • teaching a respect for the range of differences in physical abilities by affirming the best performance of each student.
  • fostering an appreciation for the value of recreation, helping students to explore constructive options for the use of leisure time. 
  • encouraging choices that promote wellness of mind and body, while educating them to the dangers of substance abuse and risk-taking behaviors.

SOCIAL-CULTURAL GOALS

To prepare students to be Christian witnesses, serving and improving the society in which they live by:

  • teaching them to respect life and to value life in themselves and others.
  • providing opportunities to develop leadership qualities while helping them to work learn to work cooperatively.
  • supporting just rules with an awareness of what it means to respect the rights and property of others.
  • relating to others with understanding and compassion, exercising a concern for, and empathy with those who have special needs.
  • providing opportunities to express and appreciate ethnic and cultural values and customs mirrored in their classmates.